Clonazepam in the pharmacological treatment of vertigo and tinnitus

Int Tinnitus J. 2002;8(1):50-3.

Abstract

We carried out a retrospective survey of 25 years of clinical experience with the use of clonazepam as a vestibular and tinnitus suppressant in the pharmacological treatment of vestibular or cochleovestibular disorders due to different causes. We reviewed the medical records of 3,357 outpatients treated with a 0.5 or 1.0-mg daily dosage of oral clonazepam during 60-180 days. Complete or substantial control of vertigo or nonvertiginous dizziness was achieved in 77.4% of the vertigo patients. Tinnitus was improved in 32.0% of the tinnitus patients. Light or mild drowsiness, depression, nightmares, or lowering of libido, reported by 16.9% of the patients as adverse side effects, tended to subside with continued therapy. We concluded that clonazepam is a very useful and safe drug for the symptomatic treatment of patients suffering from cochleovestibular disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Clonazepam / adverse effects
  • Clonazepam / therapeutic use*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • GABA Modulators / adverse effects
  • GABA Modulators / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tinnitus / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vertigo / drug therapy*

Substances

  • GABA Modulators
  • Clonazepam